S.Tool for research

User-friendly longitudinal tracking of bowel symptoms.

Built by & for researchers

Research shows that 60% of patients experience persistent bowel symptoms after rectal cancer surgery, known as Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS), even up to 24 months postoperatively. These symptoms have a significant impact on quality of life, while no validated tool for systematic symptom tracking existed until now.

S.Tool was developed as a solution to this clinical challenge. The platform enables structured data collection on bowel symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. While originally designed for patients after rectal cancer surgery, S.Tool also holds potential for broader application in other bowel-related conditions. We are exploring further possibilities and encourage researchers to contact us to test the platform with different patient groups.

S.Tool for your research?

Still unsure about collaborating with us? Discover below why we are the right choice!

Toilet logs

Detailed registration of bowel movement patterns and bowel symptoms

Daily questions

Additional insights about the past day

Weekly questions

Deeper insights about the past week

Nutrition & medication

Possible links between diet, medication, and symptoms

Custom dashboard

Clear overview of patient data for analysis

Scientific

Quickly deployable for various patient groups in clinical and scientific research

Easy onboarding

Simple onboarding for various patient groups

Patient benefit

Supports insight into bowel symptoms and improves communication with healthcare providers.

The Research Team

Photo of Prof. Inge Geraerts
Photo of Prof. Inge Geraerts

Prof. Inge Geraerts

KU Leuven, Belgium

Photo of Prof. André D'Hoore
Photo of Prof. André D'Hoore

Prof. André D'Hoore

University Hospitals Leuven, Abdominal Surgery, Belgium

Photo of Dr. Ellen Coeckelberghs
Photo of Dr. Ellen Coeckelberghs

Dr. Ellen Coeckelberghs

University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium

Photo of Liesbet Lauwereins
Photo of Liesbet Lauwereins

Liesbet Lauwereins

KU Leuven, Belgium

Ongoing Research

Currently, there are 2 ongoing research studies

For patients who have already undergone rectal cancer surgery:

From 1/03/2025 to … - KU Leuven - N=118 – Recruiting participants’

Help us improve the app by tracking your symptoms for 14 days. Complete questionnaires via email on day 7 and day 14.

More about this research
More about this research

For patients who have yet to undergo rectal cancer surgery

From 1/04/2025 to … - KU Leuven – N=150 – Starting soon

Help us tailor treatments more effectively. Use the app at 1, 6, and 12 months after your surgery and complete a few questionnaires via email.

More about this research
More about this research

Interested?

Are you a researcher and see possibilities for your own study? We'd love to get in touch with you.

Contact us
Contact us
S.Tool app mockup